Why must we abstain from meat but not from fish?

[Lorenzo]

Why must we abstain from meat but not from fish?

[Lorenzo]

A:

Latin text of Pope Paul VI's apostolic constitution Paenitemini we find the following:

Abstinentiae lex vetat carne vesei, non autem ovis, lacticiniis et quibuslibet condimentis etiam ex adipe animalium [III:1].

(Translation): The law of abstinence forbids the use of meat, but not of eggs, the products of milk, or condiments made of animal fat [III:1].

The word used for meat is carnis. In modern English, the word meat can refer to any animal flesh. But, in the Latin cited here, it refers to mammals and birds only. So, fish, seafood, amphibians, and insects are permitted (assuming you want to eat some of them); but mammals and fowls are not.

http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=38104

[jorgeanna]

but these days, mas mahal pa ang kilo sa fish kaysa pork

[islander]

Contemporary application

Contemporary legislation is rooted in the 1966 Apostolic Constitution of Pope Paul VI, Paenitemini.  He recommended that fasting be appropriate to the local economic situation, and that all Catholics voluntarily fast and abstain.  He also allowed that fasting and abstinence might be substituted with prayer and works of charity. (wikipedia)

[islander]

Current practice of fast and abstinence is regulated by Canons 1250-1253 of the 1983 code.  They specify that all Fridays throughout the year, and the time of Lent are penitential times throughout the entire Church.  All persons who have completed their fourteenth year are bound by the law of abstinence on all Fridays unless they are solemnities.  All adults (those who have attained the 'age of majority', which varies from country to country) are bound by law to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday until the beginning of their sixtieth year. (wikipedia)

[islander]

Although the current Canon Law effective for the Western church does not specify the exact meaning of fasting, the traditional interpretation follows the earlier practice that on the days of mandatory fasting, Catholics may eat only one full meal during the day.  Additionally, they may eat up to two small meals or snacks, known as "collations".  Church requirements on fasting only relate to solid food, not to drink, so Church law does not restrict the amount of water or other beverages - even alcoholic drinks - which may be consumed. (wikipedia)

[islander]

Under Canon 1253, the local norms for fasting and abstinence are determined by each episcopal conference.  In some Western countries, Catholics have been encouraged to adopt non-dietary forms of abstinence during Lent.  For example, in 2009 Monsignor Benito Cocchi, Bishop of Modena, urged young Catholics to give up text messaging for Lent. (wikipedia)

[hubag bohol]

Overdoing it...

[MikeLigalig.com]

The Lord Jesus Christ considered fish as his main diet.

[Vistabel]

ang pagka obsessed sa karni makaniwang sa lawas ug pwede ika matay ug sayo kong dili mapug-ngan ang kanuyang masarapan sa laman ng karne'ng hilaw man luto.